Their year: UST Tigers, Tigresses sweep volleyball titles

University of Santo Tomas proved that it owned the UAAP volleyball tournament in 2010, the Year of the Tiger, as the España-based crew swept the men’s and women’s titles Saturday at the Arena in San Juan. The Tigers romped off with their third straight men’s crown after sweeping Far Eastern U in their best-of-three titular showdown, 2-0, the same score posted by the Tigresses in dethroning La Salle in the distaff side.

Harby Ilano and John Paul Torres punched in 14 points apiece while Jayson Ramos chipped in 10 hits as the Tigers hacked out a title-clinching 25-21, 25-17, 25-21 win over the Tamaraws for their “three-peat" and 18th crown overall. "Pinakamasarap na itong championship dahil sa first time namin na manalo ng tatlong sunod na titles," said UST coach Emil Lontoc, whose wards were actually unbeaten in their last 10 games dating back to the start of the second round of eliminations. “Definitely, we want to go for a four-peat sa 400 years ng school sa 2011," he vowed. The Tamaraws seemed bound to force a fourth set after posting an 8-5 lead early in the third frame on a kill by Ronal Tonquin. But that was the best the Tamaraws could get as the Tigers, with Ilano at the helm, regained the momentum en route to a 15-13 lead. UST’s Hendry Pecana, who finished with nine points, was named the Finals MVP. Making it a double-celebration for the Thomasians were the Tigresses, who beat the DLSU Lady Archers, 25-18, 25-14, 16-25, 25-15, to cop their first women's volleyball title since 2006 and 14th overall. Graduating player Angeli Tabaquero scored 13 points for the Tigresses, ably supported by skipper Aiza Maizo and rookie Maru Banaticla who had 11 each and 6’1" freshman Denise Santiago who posted 10. "Wala na akong mahihiling pa. I dedicate this victory to coach August Sta. Maria," said Tigresses coach Cesael delos Santos, referring to his predecessor who was forced to retire in 2008 after suffering from a stroke. UST’s setter Rhea Dimaculangan completed the school’s domination by winning the Finals MVP plum. “Si Rhea (Dimaculangan) ang nagsilbing stabilizer ng team. I told the girls nang down kami ng lima sa fourth set to enjoy the game at balewalain ang pressure," said delos Santos. The twin victories marked the fifth time that UST scored a double championship in UAAP volleyball, having accomplished the feat in the 1976-77, 1985-86, 1987-88, and 1992-93 seasons. - GMANews.TV